Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, Cut car key but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car keys cutting and programming in a parking space or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends much of its time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car key cut near me's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut car key your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.